Tag Archives: Aramine

Aramine’s service digitisation advances continue with SmartParts launch

Mining equipment, Mining services, , , ,

Aramine has announced the launch of its new SmartParts brand as part of a wider plan to transform and digitise its services, Christophe Melkonian, President of Aramine and SmartParts, says.

This follows the launch of its e-shop website for genuine spare parts and components in 2022, with more than 850,000 references in stock, (shop.aramine.com). Aramine has also since welcomed its third Kardex (leading supplier of automated storage solutions) in its largest warehouse located in the south of France.

These innovative systems increase productivity by more than 60%, saving time during order preparation and improving the quality of service, Aramine says.

In addition, the France-based company is about to implement a new enterprise resource planning management tool to enable it to manage its business more efficiently and to offer customers even better services with a seamless workflow.

“We are confident that this new technology will enable us to provide an optimal customer experience,” Melkonian said.

Cécile Caillat, Aramine Marketing Director, added: “It was important to embrace this positive change in our processes and this modern design in our graphic charter. This is why we decided to take a more original approach in order to stand out and strengthen our presence on the market.”

SmartParts’ new mascot is a Bulldog, a symbol of determination and protection, Aramine said.

This symbol came naturally to the company as it is a popular dog that is known for its determination and perseverance, reflecting the qualities of Aramine’s purchasing department, Melkonian said.

“The bulldog is also a protective animal that will not back down from defending its niche,” he said. “This mascot therefore represents our company and the values we stand for.”

Caillat concluded: “At Aramine, we are committed to the future and the modernisation of our services. The redesign of our corporate identity and the adoption of new technologies reflect our commitment to operational excellence and the enhancement of the customer experience. We have already seen this progress with early adopters of our e-shop who appreciate the outstanding selection of spare parts and components available, the user-friendly ordering process and our responsive, multi-lingual customer service.

“We are confident that these changes will strengthen our market position and allow SmartParts to keep offering innovative and efficient solutions to all our customers.”

Vast Resources forecasts production uptick as Mantis production drill rigs boost performance

Automation, Base metals, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , , ,

Copper concentrate production at Vast Resources’ Baita Plai polymetallic (copper-gold-silver-zinc-lead-moly) mine in Romania continued to trend upwards in the June quarter, with the London-listed company expecting further output gains in the September quarter thanks to the use of a Mantis CMR4 production drill rigs that can help the company access more underground mining areas.

The June quarter results were in line with the company’s expectations, with concentrate production coming in at 268.8 t, compared with 229 t in the same quarter of 2021.

The tonnes milled for the period declined slightly by 6% to 11,292 t, with the grade rising 33% year-on-year to 0.6% Cu. Ore mined increased by 3.5% to 13,020 t for the period.

Looking forward to the September quarter and beyond, the company says it continues to forecast a substantial increase in copper concentrate tonnage produced due to the successful implementation of the Mantis CMR4 production drilling rig to access the ore on 17 level, as well as the increased ability to process ore due to the second milling circuit being commissioned, which has lifted capacity to 14,000 t/mth.

Back in May, Vast Resources announced that the first of two Mantis CMR4 production drilling rigs equipped with the latest Doofor rock drills had successfully completed functional drill testing underground. The Mantis is made by South African company Fabchem, through its subsidiary, Conax Machine Solutions, in Springs, Gauteng, which manufactures, refurbishes and repairs roof bolters and hydraulic rock drills, with its flagship manufactured products being the Mantis bolters and drills.

In addition to the increase in copper concentrate produced expected going forward, a substantial increase in the number of primary metres developed is forecast. This is due to the implementation of the second Mantis rig on the main belt incline on 18 level, whereby the original mine plan envisaged can be brought online, Vast Resources said. Current advances per blast from the main belt decline vary between 2-2.2 m per blast, which the company says is an excellent ratio to the length of hole drilled to the achieved advance.

The company explained: “The drill rig was extensively tested in a non-production environment to ascertain the capabilities of the machine for long hole production drilling. The drill rig has successfully completed a number of holes at varying inclinations, including vertically down, to depths of up to 12 m. The machine is currently deployed on 17 level in the production area drilling the first set of long holes for long hole production blasting.”

Vast Resources plans to remotely operate its Aramine L130D narrow-vein LHD

The accompanying remotely operated Aramine L130D LHD has arrived at the mine and was successfully transported underground, Vast Resources said. The machine, which is designed for narrow-vein applications, is currently undergoing testing and operator training inside the working stope below 17 level, it added.

Certified Mining & Construction Sales & Rentals to represent Aramine in western Canada

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , , , ,

Certified Mining & Construction Sales & Rentals has become the exclusive distributer for Aramine for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta in Canada.

This partnership will bring cutting edge, battery-powered, heavy-duty equipment and parts to the mining industry in western Canada, the company says.

Certified Mining & Construction Sales & Rentals (CMC) is a Saskatoon-based sales and rental company that offers specialised equipment to the mining and construction industries in North America.

The company says: “This partnership with Aramine will only serve to build on both the rental options and the offering for the sales side. With Aramine’s offering on the battery-powered, mine-specific heavy equipment, we will be able to partner with our clients to work towards lowering emissions without lowering productivity.”

Aramine has designed an innovative and unique range of small and medium section machines, including the L140B battery-powered mini loader.

Hochschild Mining plans electric equipment fleet expansion

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, , , , , , , ,

Hochschild Mining, in its 2020 sustainability report, has flagged the arrival of further electric vehicles at its mine sites in Latin America as it looks to cut emissions and reduce ventilation requirements at its underground operations.

The company said it has been operating six electric mine vehicles, purchased between 2017 and 2018, at its San Jose narrow-vein silver mine in Argentina for some time. This includes an Aramine L130E miniLoader® (pictured), a 1-2 t capacity electric LHD suitable for narrow-vein mining applications with a 0.5-0.75 cu.m bucket and an operating width of 1,046 mm. The miniLoader L130E is fitted with a cable reel designed for tramming off the mine power grid. The company also has an Aramine L150E tethered-electric LHD in its fleet.

In 2020, Hochschild added a battery-electric vehicle to the mix at its Inmaculada gold-silver narrow-vein operation in Peru.

It said: “In 2020, we piloted the use of the first electric vehicle at Inmaculada for liquid waste management. Working in partnership with our on-site waste management contractor, the project is the first of its kind in Latin America and, if successful, will be scaled up throughout 2021.”

Hochschild told IM that its waste management contractor, Resiter, was operating an Alke ATX 330EH battery-electric off-road light utility vehicle with a flatbed for liquid waste. This vehicle is fitted with a tank and suction motor to be used to clean portable toilets throughout the mine site.

“It is also worth noting that the trials carried out indicate some modifications are needed for it to be able to be used in the irregular surfaces at Inmaculada, and it is still under investigation by the supplier,” the company said.

Hochschild added in the report: “In 2021, we hope to expand our electric fleet with the purchase of electric vehicles for use in larger underground chambers that will not only reduce our carbon footprint but will also cut ventilation costs.”

Vast Resources to leverage new equipment and XRT ore sorting at Baita Plai

Base metals, Comminution of minerals, Mine operation news, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Vast Resources has devised a new mechanised mine plan for its Baita Plai polymetallic mine in Romania that will see mining capacity increase by 65% and ore sorting employed to increase mill feed grades.

The new mine plan includes the acquisition of three LHDs (including at least one narrow-vein electric LHD), an Aramine face jumbo drill rig, two Resemin Muki 22 long hole drilling rigs and a TOMRA X-ray Transmission (XRT) ore sorter.

Execution risk is expected to be significantly reduced compared with the old labour-intensive plan through the employment of senior international staff; the use of increased mechanisation; and the fact that shortly, with the expediated development plan now possible through the new equipment, the mining areas will be in areas newly drilled by the company and not in less stable old mining areas, the company said.

The company, in co-operation with TOMRA Mining, has concluded an initial investigation on ore from Baita Plai as part of the development of the new mining and processing plan. The objective of the work was to determine the amenability of ore from Baita Plai to be pre-concentrated using TOMRA sensor-based sorting technologies to produce a high-grade pre-concentrate, pre-milling feed.

“The study showed a clear amenability for the ore to be separated using TOMRA’s advanced XRT technology to identify both massive mineralisations, as well as fine mineral inclusions, using its proprietary combination detection algorithms to produce a high-grade pre-concentrate and eliminate non-grade containing waste material,” the company said.

The XRT implementation and processing plant upgrades are set to be completed by December 2021, the company said, with mill feed grades expected to be concentrated by 1.25-1.75 times. This would see the sensor-based sorter shift 60% of tonnage into the accept stream for the mill and 40% into the reject stream, with a 92% yield in the accept tonnage.

The new mine plan presents a cost reduction of 21% in dollars per mined tonne with an operational efficiency of 63 tonnes per total employee costed (TEC) at steady state, versus the previous plan efficiency metric of 43 tonnes per TEC, Vast Resources said. It also sees mining capacity rise to 22,000 t/mth, from 13,300 t/mth.

Andrew Prelea, Chief Executive Officer of Vast Resources, said: “This is a robust and comprehensive mine plan which has been developed using rigorous technical parameters. On behalf of the board, I believe the plan set out to shareholders today represents a benchmark for us to deliver on over the coming years in tandem with our broader expansion plans at Baita Plai and across our wider portfolio.”

Astec Industries looks to boost Africa and Middle East business with Aramine tie-up

Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Astec Industries, through its newly organised Africa and Middle East (AME) business unit, has announced a distribution partnership with France-based mining and underground solutions specialist Aramine.

This strategic alliance will enhance the supply, distribution and service of Astec mining, quarrying and materials handling equipment in numerous African countries, Astec said. This includes rock breaker systems, rock crushers, feeders, vibrating screens, conveyors, washing and classifying equipment for open-pit mines, alongside underground mining products and bulk material handling systems.

Aramine has been appointed as a dealer for Astec Material Solutions products in Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and Niger in West Africa, as well as in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco in the Maghreb region.

Vinesh Surajlall, Director – Material Solutions at Astec AME (pictured), said: “The expansion of the Astec portfolio that will be distributed by Aramine is an important evolution in our commercial relations, as we collaborate in very active and demanding markets in West Africa and the Maghreb.

“With this partnership, we are developing a new customer proximity offer, combining expertise, services and quality products.”

Jaime Martel, Key Regional and Product Manager and Head of Distribution Partnerships at Aramine, says the new venture represents Astec’s confidence in Aramine. The two organisations have enjoyed a longstanding distribution partnership which previously encompassed only the BTI range of rock breaker and boom systems.

“The extension of our alliance, to cover the material solutions offering, will equip us further in meeting the needs of our customers in the regions,” he noted.

In addition to its recognised expertise and technical service, Aramine will leverage its networks of subsidiaries and partners in the regions, Astec said.

The recent group restructuring and the establishment of Astec Industries AME will deliver further benefits for Astec customers in the region, the company says.

“The move forms part of Astec Industries’ international expansion strategy, with regional sales organisations established to improve customer interaction and support for the complete range of Astec products,” Astec said. “Astec Industries AME is one of these regional sales organisations and will be responsible for business relationships in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. The AME offices are based in Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, with regional sales managers positioned strategically within the region to support the business’s dealer network and customers.”

Surajlall concluded: “We look forward to contributing to the continued growth of our customers’ businesses through this enhanced structure, optimised product range and support structures throughout the Astec Industries organisations. This expanded partnership with Aramine represents an important opportunity to strengthen the presence of Astec Industries Inc in these significant territories.”

ARMZ, Aramine partnership brings battery-powered narrow vein LHD to Russia

Environmental, Mining equipment, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , ,

ARMZ Mining Machinery says it has become the first and only company in Russia and the CIS producing lithium-ion battery-powered mining equipment through a collaboration with Aramine.

The company, part of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co, has started producing the mining equipment in Krasnokamensk, in the Trans-Baikal Territory of Russia, at the site of Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Union (PIMCU, PJSC is a part of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co).

The project is being implemented under an industrial partnership agreement ARMZ Uranium Holding Co and France-based Aramine, signed in April 2019. As part of this pact, ARMZ Mining Machinery is the project operator.

ARMZ said the production from Krasnokamensk will cover the internal needs of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corp (of which ARMZ is a part of), and let the company enter foreign markets with competitive products.

The ARGO LHD 140B is designed specifically for underground work in narrow-vein deposits, according to ARMZ. Based off the design of the Aramine miniLoader L140B, it has a width of 1.1 m and a bucket carrying capacity of 1.3 t. A 50 kW engine and a lithium-ion battery pack provide high mobility and continuous operation for up to four hours; at the same time, offering low noise, minimal heat transfer and no gas contamination in the mine. The machine significantly outperforms the requirements of the Russian standards in industrial safety, according to ARMZ.

Ivan Kiselev, Director General of PIMCU, PJSC, said: “New LHD machines will let us efficiently and reliably carry out operations for the loading and transportation of ore inside the stopes. The transition to a new battery-powered narrow-vein equipment is an economically viable solution aimed at reducing operating costs and improving the quality of ore mining.”

Igor Semenov, Executive Director of ARMZ Mining Machinery, said the production of the ARGO LHD 140B means ARMZ Mining Machinery has become the first and only company in Russia and the CIS producing lithium-ion battery-powered mining equipment.

He explained: “We adapted the Aramine design and specifications to Russia standards, organised the technological process: in-house production of the structural frame, arms and dippers, assembly of body parts, installation of components, start-up and commissioning of machines. Our next step will be the localisation of the production of lithium-ion batteries and the expansion of the product line with other types of underground equipment.”

The first serial vehicles have already passed factory tests, according to ARMZ, and will be sent to the uranium mines of PIMCU, PJSC this month. In 2021, the ARGO LHD 140B will enter the Russia market and will then gradually become available in other countries within the customs union, it said.

Aramine bolsters market capitalisation with merger

Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , ,

Aramine and Aramine Loaders have been absorbed into the company Groupe Melkonian as part of a merger that will strengthen the company’s capitalisation, it said.

Since January 1, Aramine is now a “simplified joint stock” company with a capital of €20.41 million ($22.7 million), compared with €900,000 previously, registered in the Aix-en-Provence Trade and Companies Registry, it said.

The merger’s objective is to strengthen the company’s relationship with its stakeholders and to offer a single point of contact to our partners, it said.

Groupe Melkonian is owned by Geneviève, Marc and Christophe Melkonian, the Presidents of Aramine (pictured).

Aramine and Epiroc sign mining and tunnelling distribution deal

Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , ,

Building on an already strong partnership, Epiroc and Aramine have signed a distribution contract that will see the France-based company become Epiroc’s official distributor of underground mining and tunnelling equipment in France and several Central and West African countries.

Aramine, which is already the official distributor of Epiroc drilling, loading and rock transport products, said: “The Epiroc product range for mines and tunnels perfectly completes the portfolio of machines dedicated to galleries of small and medium sections designed by Aramine.”

The African countries that Aramine will service include the Central African Republic, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea-Conakry, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, according to the company.

Marc Melkonian, President of Aramine, said: “Epiroc’s trust is a mark of recognition of our long-standing partnership, and this obvious collaboration between our two companies allows us to offer a wide and complete solutions range for mines and tunnels to our customers.”

Aramine is strengthening its presence in certain countries in line with the Epiroc distribution deal.

For France, Pierre Donnadieu, a specialise in underground mining and tunnelling will join as the new Regional Sales Manager, while, on the African continent, the distribution of Epiroc products is ensured by Aramine Burkina, located in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou.

Jean-Baptiste Corona, Director Epiroc France, said: “The long-term link between Aramine and Epiroc is historic regarding both our collaboration and the distribution of the products of our respective brands. It is therefore an important evolution of these relations since we work hand in hand in very active and demanding markets such as France and West Africa. We are developing a new local offer with this partnership, combining expertise, services and quality products.”

Aramine launches diesel-electric drill for narrow vein mining

Automation, Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Aramine has looked to complete its equipment range for narrow vein mines with the introduction of its diesel-electric hybrid miniDriller DM901 HDE drill rig.

The compact machine uses the diesel engine for tramming and electric motor for drilling, according to Aramine, while it can be operated tele-remotely, removing the operator from potential hazards.

The DM901 HDE has a low centre of gravity for optimal stability. Despite its narrow width, the two front stabilisers offer perfect drilling conditions, according to the company. This allows for both face and vertical drilling, Aramine said.

Aramine says the DM901 HDE only requires a 400 V electric connection and a water supply to operate and is designed with modular elements for easy assembly/disassembly in a mine. It “sneaks wherever our L130 and L150 miniLoaders go”, Aramine said. This means the new machine is ideal for sections between 6 sq.m and 12 sq.m.

With an existing partnership between Aramine and Epiroc, the company can offer an exclusive optional version with an Epiroc Feed and Drifter, Aramine said.

“As most of Aramine machines are, the DM901 HDE complements perfectly the Epiroc range,” Arnaud Paul, Aramine Equipment Sales Director, said.

Aramine says it is preparing its fully-electric battery-powered version for 2020, with innovations at all levels of the machine.